Destinations / Hong Kong
Driving in Hong Kong as a visitor
Usually yes. Hong Kong expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Hong Kong expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 999 |
| Top speed limit | 110 km/h on the North Lantau Highway |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| Booklet format they know | 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in HKD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Seatbelts | Seatbelts mandatory front and rear. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit. |
| Tolls | Tunnels and bridges carry tolls. |
On the road in Hong Kong
At the pump
Stations sell unleaded petrol (95 and 98 octane) and diesel, are attended (full-service is common) and accept major cards and Octopus. Fuel is among the world's most expensive at roughly HK$24-27 per litre.
After a crash
Dial 999 for emergencies; you must stop, exchange details, and report any accident to police within 24 hours (immediately if there is injury). A police report is needed for the rental company and any insurance claim.
Sources: scmp.com · clic.org.hk · expatinfodesk.com · en.wikivoyage.org
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Hong Kong?
Usually yes. Hong Kong expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Hong Kong accept?
Hong Kong recognises the 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Hong Kong ask for one?
Self-drive rental is limited; an IDP is expected where available.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.